28th Mar 2007, 15:09

I have owned a Focus C-Max 1.8 Zetec for almost 3 years (from new) and as far as faults go this has to be the worst car ever, things such as the tailgate opening on it's own, time and date always resetting itself, (Ford can't fix this apparently),arm rest falling off, electric window motor packed up in first year, rear brakes and discs had to be replaced (Ford recall),just today it was difficult to start and engine warning light was on, so it's had to go in for repair yet again. This car is nice to drive and looks OK, but after my experience and other owners I have spoken to who have had similar faults, I would never consider another Ford.

26th Jan 2008, 04:10

Unfortunately I have to agree with most of the previous comment re the C-Max. Looks good, spacious, and comfortable, but problems galore - and the local Ford dealer here in N Ireland, doesn't give a toss! My three year old C-Max Ghia has been static for almost a week now - started with an EPB warning, but the next day the car was totally dead, won't start. The dealer isn't helpful at all.

Prior problems include rear brakes replaced at 10,000 miles intervals, the time/date function has never worked - I (contacted Ford direct on this and they literally shrugged thier Corporate shoulders!) - noisy, rear window stopped working six months ago, (but apparently not covered by the still current guarantee), rear door won't lock using electronic system, front tyres having to be replaced at 10,000 mile intervals even after regular wheel alignment at the Ford dealer, plus other minor annoyances. Anyone interested in buying a three year old diesel Ghia for parts?!

31st Jan 2009, 02:22

I have had my 2005 Ford Focus C-max 2.0 TDCi Ghia for 3 weeks, just read some of the above articles as I have now 3 time gone to start the car to no avail, my partner has taken it back to the dealer, who have fobbed her off saying with it being a heavy duty battery, you need a more powerful charger. I am just charging the battery as I write this to take it back again, not sure if it is the battery or the alternator? This appears an issue form the above comments, ref electrical faults, I have noticed the same issues when the battery is low the power steering has a noticeable change, concern here. I will if car survey permits update with the dealer’s response when I take it back once the battery is charged.

13th Mar 2009, 10:35

My advice to anyone would be do not buy this car! I have a C Max 1.6 TDCI 5 door 04 reg from new. It has given me nothing but problems! I am writing this after yet another frustrating visit to my Ford dealership.

My problems began almost immediately with minor issues such as radio/clock not working. Clock still not working (won't keep time) and given up telling them. Have experienced same problems as others with rear brake discs wearing too soon. EPB has often flashed 'limited EPB function' but fords could not find a fault. Yesterday I was unable to drive the car due to 'total EPB failure' the cost of this repair I have just been informed is over £700.00. Air con has broke for second time.

Definitely agree with other comments on awful steaming up, and very noisy when rear windows are down.

Ford have never been helpful with my complaints, usual fob offs 'wear and tear etc' no compensation for all my inconvenience back and forth to garage, and now will be in the garage for at least five days and no courtesy car!!

22nd Sep 2009, 16:51

I have had the vehicle for almost a year, and it has been going well enough until recently when I found that my car didn't start even after many attempts.. It is GHIA TDCI 1.6, which I have always thought is safe enough.. Unfortunately I found myself near a field where there was nobody to ask for any help.. My wife was with me, but my little daughter was ill and I had to take her to a doctor immediately. Anyway, I directly called FORD EURO SERVICE and even though it was an official holiday, they put me through a authorized service in Bursa, TURKEY who then understood what was wrong subsequent to my explanations. I waited nearly 4 hours for them to come. And they did, although it was a hard location to find. Alternator was the problem. They replaced it within some 30 minutes. I saw 53000 km on the counter. I still decided to sell it right away.. It cost me 700 TL.

20th Oct 2009, 07:46

Has any one with a C-max 2.0L diesel had any problems with the turbo? We have one and it's been problem after problem with it.

17th Nov 2009, 07:10

Had my 2.0 TDCI Ghia for nearly three years. Great car to drive, 45mpg even when driven enthusiastically. Good comfort levels on long journeys, 2000 mile trip from UK to Gibraltar.

Had my alternator go at 80k, but gave no indication (very poor), just a flat battery. RAC replaced my battery!!

Slight rattle from the rear tailgate occasionally, but the car has now done 90k.

Had a lumpy engine feel earlier this year, and cut out now and then, turned out to be the foam on the back of the engine cover pushing down on the injectors. RAC redeemed themselves.

Overall great car, hard to fault.

19th Feb 2010, 03:40

Have read the above comments with interest, but speak as I find after owning 2 C-Maxs.

2.0 TDCI Zetec, owned for 2+ years, only problem was alternator failure at 60K, warning light came on, no dramas with power steering or brakes, drove home safely, Ford wanted around £350 to replace, bought replacement at Motor Factors for £140, fitted myself in about 2 hours.

Fuel consumption motorway run 48-55 mpg, around the doors worst 33. Agree with the review above; this is a totally entertaining car to drive, considering the size and its intended purpose.

2.0 TDCI Ghia, liked the Zetec so much, replaced it with a lower mileage better spec Ghia, same mpg, it has softer suspension than the Zetec, but hardly noticeable now, and just as enjoyable to drive.

This is a good all round car, but it is now bettered by many in terms of seven seats, better seat folding, quality of finish etc.

4th Mar 2010, 15:00

2004 C-Max 2 ltr TDI. The car was bought new, and current mileage showing 22,000 miles. Catalogue of errors to date. Both rear brake calipers, discs and pads replaced at 15,000 - 2 ECR valves replaced, one at 7,000 miles and one at 14,000 miles - air conditioning failed twice, still broken - passenger side foot well panel dropped off - both sun visors need replacing - clock has never worked properly - windscreen washer pump failed - dip stick snapped and narrowly missed going into engine. Now it seems the alternator has failed.

Summary: a beautiful car to look at and drive, but would never have another or recommend one, as they are extremely unreliable, and very expensive to fix.

7th May 2010, 09:50

Alternator, clutch, flywheel, sun-visors, two new radios, numerous new tyres, both foot-well panels fell off, drivers arm rest fell off, parking sensors don't work, boot release doesn't work, central locking failed, BCM fault; all after 70,000 miles.

You couldn't make it up. Never again will buy a Ford. EX Ford Focus C-Max 2.0 litre TDCi owner.